Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL/EBCI) is the second-busiest airport in Belgium and a major European hub for low-cost carriers, primarily serving the Walloon region and as a secondary gateway to Brussels. Located in Gosselies, a suburb of Charleroi, approximately 46 kilometers south of the Belgian capital, it acts as a primary base for Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport plays a vital role in providing affordable international connectivity to over 100 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, supporting the regional economy and the broader European travel market.

The airport features a two-terminal complex: Terminal 1 (T1) is the main facility handling the vast majority of international flights, while Terminal 2 (T2) was opened more recently to increase capacity during peak periods. The two terminals are connected landside by a short covered walkway, taking only a few minutes to traverse. Inside the terminals, travelers will find a wide array of amenities, including several duty-free and retail shops offering Belgian chocolates and travel essentials, a variety of dining options ranging from quick-service snack bars to sit-down cafes, and high-quality Wi-Fi. The terminal design focuses on efficient passenger flow and rapid aircraft turnaround times, characteristic of budget-focused aviation hubs.

Operational capacity at Charleroi Airport is supported by a significant paved runway (06/24) measuring 2,550 meters in length, which is capable of handling most narrow-body commercial jets such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Navigation through the terminal is relatively straightforward due to its logical layout, although the facility can become quite busy during peak morning and evening flight banks. For ground transportation, the airport is well-connected to Brussels and other Belgian cities via the frequent Brussels City Shuttle (Flibco), local bus links to the Charleroi South railway station, and several international car rental agencies located in the arrivals area. Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for security screening and the potentially long walk to remote aircraft stands.